First Impression of Thailand

We are nearing the end of February and I haven't written any words about Thailand yet. Today you will read about my first impressions when arriving in Thailand. Remember, under my Asian face, I actually never set foot to Vietnam or any Asian soil. I was also going to meet and stay with the family of my wife Sriwan for the first time. Stressing…

We left Australia and arrived in Bangkok on the 11 Dec 2009 after a flight of about 6 hours (I don’t recall exactly). On aircraft approach, I saw Bangkok region from the sky. It seemed quite big, long highways, some green, some grey, some tall buildings far away and very cloudy due to the pollution. Bangkok airport was very quiet following the recent protests of the “Yellow shirts” that closed down the airport and we proceeded swiftly through customs and met up with her mother and auntie. I hesitantly had my first Thai dialogues with my mother in law. Sanook maak!

The Thailand transportation infrastructure is very developed and well maintained. Yes, they have toll stations too. I found out that the Suvarnabhumi airport is located almost 100 km outside of Bangkok. Oh, locals say Krung Thep instead of Bangkok and Suvanaphum airport instead of Suvarnabhumi airport (it’s not as long!).

I met up with most of Sriwan’s family and wife in the first weeks in Thailand. They all welcomed me warmly although we had limited discussions. Don’t worry though. I can communicate with members of her family of friends who speak English fluently. I want to write another entry about the Thai language, and will leave that subject for another time.

I see two main faces of Bangkok. One is the young, rich, modern, fashion-driven, taking the Skytrain BTS professional group with its numerous big big big shopping complexes and entertainment centers. That is the Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, MBK, Emporium and many more. And I mean real big and real nice! If you like shopping like my younger sister, this is Paradise! Good quality, very good service, and low prices. This is the face of the modern Bangkok, students, who all speak English, become accountants, work for several international companies in the city and live in a condominium near the city.

The other face of Bangkok is a more conservative one where Buddhism, family values, honesty and the “simple life” are the main drivers. That is the “Mai Pen Rai” (Don’t worry) and the “Sanook” (Life should be fun) ideas. The majestic Wats (temples) scattered in Krung Thep are more than relics of an old idea. They are living and breathing buildings. The several “open-(hot)-air” markets along the Phraya River or narrow dark streets in the old City are quite far from the modern Thailand.

Something that is shared amongst all Thais is probably the joy of having a good meal. Therefore, one good image of Bangkok is a street-side noodle shop where you will see sitting at the same table a motorcycle-taxi driver with his orange shirt and a businessman in suit, both enjoying a spicy papaya salad or noodle soup for 35 Baths (about 1.25 $CAD)!

A melting-pot of pictures below!